Gear up for football season

Football season is finally back and, whether you are going to the game or rooting your team on from home, try some of these delicious tailgating recipes that make plain old burgers and wings seem passé.

Seven Layer Dip

Makes 6 to 8 servings

Ingredients:

16-ounces refried beans

2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 1/2 pounds cooked shredded chicken

8-ounces sour cream

2 avocadoes, diced

1 cup salsa

1 cup black olives, sliced

2 tomatoes, diced

2 green onions, sliced

Directions:

Spread refried beans onto the bottom of a serving tray or plastic container. Top with 1/2 the cheeses and chicken. Spoon sour cream over the top, then sprinkle with avocadoes. Spread salsa over that and top with olives, tomatoes, the rest of the cheese, and green onions.

Cover container with plastic wrap and chill until ready to serve. Should be served at room temperature with tortilla chips.

Turkey and White Bean Chili

Makes 6 to 8 servings

Ingredients:

1 white onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 1/2 pounds ground turkey

8-ounces canned sliced green chilis

2 teaspoons ground coriander

2 teaspoons dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Salt and white pepper to taste

1 pound large white beans, soaked overnight

6 cups chicken broth

2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese

Directions:

Sauté onion, garlic, and turkey in a large pot for 8 to 10 minutes, or until turkey is just browned. Add the peppers, coriander, oregano, cloves, cayenne, salt, and pepper and stir about 5 minutes.

Add 3/4 of beans and broth; purée the remaining beans in a blender and add to the pot. Bring chili to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until turkey is cooked through.

Garnish with cheese when ready to serve.

Note: chili can be re-heated on a portable stovetop or grill when ready to serve.

Directions:

Combine brown mix with water, oil, and egg then stir in oat mixture, walnuts, and raisins. Spoon batter into prepared pan and bake 35 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let cool on a wire rack before slicing.

More on the art of tailgating

Tailgating tips from "The Tailgate Guy"

Jay "The Tailgate Guy" DiEugenio, author of I Got Your Tailgate Party Right Here!, has learned the art of tailgating from those who do it best -- the fans. Jay offers several tips for setting up a supreme tailgate party.